Camping sites near Shipman, Illinois sit on gently rolling prairie terrain at approximately 600 feet elevation. Seasonal fluctuations create varied camping conditions, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. The region experiences moderately high rainfall in spring months, making early summer and fall typically the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Beaver Dam State Park features a lake with multiple access points for anglers. A visitor noted, "There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake." Some amenities are particularly appreciated: "A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses."
Walking trails: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers hiking trails with notable elevation changes unusual for Illinois. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay... the hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous," reports one camper. Another mentions, "We did a 7 mile loop that led us to an amazing overlook."
Water recreation: Multiple lakes and ponds near Shipman support non-motorized boating. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles)." This park offers accessible water activities for various skill levels.
What campers like
Campground layouts: Tent campers appreciate the designated primitive areas at several parks. At Beaver Dam State Park Campground, "Primitive tent camping area is very spacious but bathrooms were dirty and gross." Site selection varies widely: "All sites are shaded and mostly level with pull-thru or back-in parking. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a grate over it."
Breakfast options: Several campgrounds feature on-site or nearby dining. A camper at Beaver Dam State Park mentions, "There is also a restaurant and store on the lake. The breakfast at the restaurant is great!" Similarly, Pere Marquette State Park has dining options: "The Lodge has great character and a wonderful great room. There is a restaurant inside the main building with decent food."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe various wildlife. One camper noted about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake - deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes." At Pere Marquette, winter offers special wildlife viewing: "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate year-round but with varying conditions. A camper at Beaver Dam noted, "Mosquitoes are bad, remember to bring repellent." Winter camping provides different experiences: "Quiet midweek in tent camping area except for heavy equipment in field nearby. Large campground with open space and playground for kids."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper reported, "The restroom and shower house is very clean," while another noted at the same location, "bathrooms were dirty and gross. The women's bathroom near T3 didn't have toilet paper the entire three days we stayed there."
Site privacy: Many campgrounds have limited separation between sites. At Country Bend Campground, the layout can be challenging: "The sites are sunk down, poorly rocked and extremely narrow. The majority of sites are backup only, which is a recipe for disaster with all of the rain central Illinois has had this Spring." Weather impacts site conditions significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Rustic Acres Jellystone offers organized events for children. A visitor shared, "Kid fun and themed activities, bounce trampoline pillow, pool, etc. Friendly staff and good security." Another family appreciated the range of activities: "Great fishing, nice price for all the amenities."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Country Bend Campground provides extensive recreation options: "Family friendly atmosphere, big inground pool, 18 hole putt putt, lots of outdoor games, planned activities on the weekends." These facilities help keep children engaged throughout your stay.
Budget considerations: Campsite rates vary widely based on amenities and location. One camper noted about Rustic Acres Jellystone, "The campsites are small and a bit pricey, but it is a great family friendly place. Good pizza and amazing ice cream at the store!" Consider what amenities matter most to your family when selecting a campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most established campgrounds offer various hookup options. At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, "We had tram tickets for the arch so we needed a shore power hookup for run the AC for our dog. This was a good spot for that." Site utilities can vary: "The site I was in had full hook ups. The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!"
Site dimensions: RV sites range from spacious to challenging. At Beaver Dam State Park, "I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don't think you would have the room to pull in and circle out."
Reservation timing: Securing preferred sites often requires advance planning. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, long-term stays offer additional benefits: "One couple I talked to was camping long term and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot (they said something about having to book a least a month out to get this perk)."
